APRIL GOVERNMENT SERVICES NEWSLETTER  

As a reminder, Cross County Connection staff is continuing to work remotely during the COVID-19 shutdown. If you need assistance, you can contact us via voicemail at (856)-596-8228 or email at  ccctma@driveless.com . 

We have created information guides to keep the traveling public up to date 
on the status of transportation services and bike shops in the region. 
Please visit Cross County Connection’s  Transit Guide  and Bike Shop Guide . 
Information in these guides is subject to change as events progress.  
Sustainable Jersey Offers Public Engagement Tools for Municipalities during the COVID-19 Shutdown 
Sustainable Jersey is offering resources for municipalities to stay engaged with their constituents and maintain governmental functions while everyone stays at home.  
 
Some highlights include:  
 
Online Database of Available Technology Tools for Local Governments  
Sustainable Jersey’s  PIE Solutions Catalog  hosts a list of almost 100 platforms and tools that can help local officials keep citizens engaged and municipal functions up and running. The catalog will be updated as Sustainable Jersey learns of additional free services for municipal government. 
 
Municipal Tech Coaching  
Sustainable Jersey is offering technical assistance to local governments looking to implement online strategies for engaging the public, providing critical information and holding online public meetings. The organization will match staff and volunteers with local governments looking for advice on what tools to use and other general questions. Please  request assistance using this form . If you are a qualified candidate to assist in volunteering, please  complete this form  to sign up.  
 
Stimulus Package Includes $25 Billion in
Emergency Funding for Transit Agencies  
Last month, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) act was signed into law. Within this stimulus package, $25 billion is dedicated for public transit agencies in the form of emergency appropriations. As many transit agencies continue to see a decline in ridership, this stimulus package will help transit agencies throughout the region mitigate the loss in fare revenues.  
 
Regional transit agencies will receive funding through the CARES act. NJ TRANSIT will be granted  $1.75 billion in federal aid  while SEPTA will receive  $643 million . SEPTA has projected its losses tied to COVID-19 to reach $550 million through 2021. PATCO will be receiving $41 million in  federal aid  to cover their losses during the pandemic. This relief aid will be used to cover operating costs as fare revenues have dwindled as ridership has dropped over 90% during the COVID-19 shutdown. The CARES act also provides $1 billion for Amtrak. From this allocation, $492 million will be dedicated to the Northeast Corridor and $526 million will go to Amtrak’s national network.  
League of American Bicyclists Announces Partnership on Road Safety with Uber  
This year at the virtual 2020 National Bike Summit, The League of American Bicyclists and Uber  announced a partnership  aimed at building safer, healthier, sustainable and vibrant communities. The partnership includes three strategies: 


  • Uber will make a multimedia version of the League’s Bicycle Friendly Driver educational course available to its drivers to educate them on how to avoid common collisions, navigate new bicycling infrastructure and encourage courteousness to bicyclists 
  • Uber will work with the League to create a micro mobility safety education program for users of Uber’s JUMP-branded shared e-bikes and scooters to help them safely navigate city streets 
  • Uber and the League will continue to collaborate when it comes to federal policy issues to encourage the funding and growth of safe bike infrastructure across the country 

These resources will bolster Uber’s efforts to create safe and comfortable environment for all road users. Cross County Connection applauds this partnership that will improve bicycle safety! 


Ronda R. Urkowitz P.P., AICP
Executive Director
(856) 596-8228



Patrick C. Farley, AICP, PP
Program Director
(856) 596-8228 


Cross County Connection's Mission: To improve the quality of
life in southern New Jersey through transportation solutions.
 
About Us: Cross County Connection, a nonprofit organization, partners with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), NJ TRANSIT, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO), member organizations and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, to provide solutions to complex transportation problems for counties, municipalities and employers in the southern New Jersey region encompassing Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties. 
This Cross County Connection Transportation Management Association publication is funded by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. The U.S. Government and NJTPA assume no liability for the contents.